Real Madrid, Barcelona 'want Virgil van Dijk'

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both reportedly interested in signing Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

The Netherlands international has developed into one of the best centre-backs in world football since joining the Reds from Southampton in January 2018.

Van Dijk helped Liverpool win their sixth European Cup last season, while he also starred in the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp's side just fell short of Manchester City.

The 28-year-old has also contributed eight goals in his 79 appearances for the Merseyside giants.

According to AS, both Madrid and Barca want to sign the Dutchman in next summer's transfer window as neither club are happy with their current centre-back options.

Both sides have shown defensive frailties in the early stages of the 2019-20 campaign, with Los Blancos conceding six times in their four La Liga matches this term, while Barca have shipped seven.

The former Groningen youngster, who is in the running to be awarded this year's Ballon d'Or, still has four years left to run on his contract at Anfield.